Team Lead - Electron Avionics Development (Fixed Term)

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access space. The rockets and satellites we build, and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations.

Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

The Avionics Development Team plays a critical role in the success of Rocket Lab’s Electron launch vehicle. We design, test, integrate, and configure the electrical systems and electronic hardware that form the backbone of Electron, ensuring every mission is a success. From flight computers to payload interfaces, our work drives the reliability and performance of Rocket Lab’s launches.

Now, we are looking for a Team Lead – Avionics Development to take the helmet of this critical team, combining technical expertise with people leadership to shape the future of Rocket Lab’s avionics systems.This will be a 1 year fixed term contract.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

As the Team Lead for Avionics Development, you will be the technical authority on avionics hardware while also leading, mentoring, and empowering a talented team of engineers. You will guide the design, testing, qualification, and technical architecture of Electron’s electrical and electronic hardware, delivering solutions that meet the highest standards of quality and reliability while supporting manufacturability, increased vehicle build rates, and program timelines.

In addition to technical leadership, you’ll play a key role in prioritizing projects and allocating resources to align with program milestones and company goals. Your ability to plan, organize, and communicate effectively will be critical to the team’s success.

This role spans a wide range of avionics systems, including (but not limited to):

• Flight computers

• Power electronic systems

• High-voltage components

• Flight Safety System (FSS) components

• Engine avionics components

• Payload interfaces

You will work collaboratively across engineering, manufacturing, and support teams to deliver cutting-edge solutions that drive mission success.

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING:

• Taking technical ownership of Electron avionics hardware design and qualification

• Ensuring the quality, reliability, and robustness of avionics components and systems in a fast-paced production environment

• Identifying risks and implementing mitigation strategies to ensure program success

• Leading, mentoring, and developing the Avionics Development Team

• Planning and prioritizing work to meet program milestones

• Collaborating across departments to solve complex challenges and deliver innovative solutions

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• A degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or a similar field.

• 5+ years’ experience within a high-performance industry environment (aerospace, aviation, automotive, marine or equivalent).

• Proven track record of leading a team to deliver complete and successful engineering projects from conception to operation.

• The ability to work to deadlines within a high-pressure environment.

• Proven communication skills and the ability to build strong working relationships with colleagues.

• Understanding of electrical schematics, electronics testing, and manufacturing to analyse and improve test coverage.

• Proficiency in environmental testing and creating technical documentation.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Experience working to industry standards and with regulatory bodies to ensure compliance.

• Sound understanding of instrumentation, interfaces, and sensors.

• Familiarity with project management and product lifecycle management tools.

• A proactive and hands-on mindset.

WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS:

Our fundamental goal is simple but critical: to ensure our payloads reach orbit on time, every time. As the Avionics Development Team Lead, your leadership will be central to achieving this mission and maintaining Rocket Lab’s high standards for reliability and performance.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone looking to grow within a people leadership role while continuing to have a direct impact on flight hardware and mission success.

If you’re ready to join an innovative team, grow as a leader, work on cutting-edge technology, and make a tangible difference in the world of aerospace, we encourage you to apply.

WHAT TO EXPECT

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at [email protected] dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

For security reasons background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.